I have read and heard, from a number of parents, that mainstreaming has made the problem worse, as the mainstreamed kids are often targets. A number of parents have chosen to homeschool, for that reason. The relentlessly social-emotional focus in schools is a real problem for kids on the ASD and for many ADHD kids.

The worst thing of it is, usually the TEACHERS side with the cool kids as well… Because of course that nerdy kid with the book and no fashion sense is asking to be poked with compasses until she bleeds…… So I think the ‘educational trope’ that only outcast kids act as bullies is, in part, a way for teachers to avoid having to recognize and deal with the bullying commited by the cool, cruel kids who are also beloved by the teacher….